Garden furniture covers are a must-have in Dubai, given the weather that can be extreme, with heat waves, high humidity and occasional sandstorms. To its credit, such quality covers will go a long way to increase the lifespan of your outdoor furniture giving it a new and clean look. However, it is important that you take care of them properly if they are to perform their duties effectively. Here is an exhaustive guide on how to maintain garden furniture covers in dubai unique climate.
1.Choosing the Right Material
Before embarking on maintenance practices, it is vital to choose the right material for your outdoor furniture covers. In Dubai where temperatures can get very high and dust is constantly blowing around, it should be made from fabrics that are strong against wear and tear due to sunlight or even breathing.
Polyester with PVC or PU Coating: Polyester is quite popular because of its robustness. With a PVC (polyvinyl chloride) or PU (polyurethane) coating applied on it, polyester becomes water resistant and UV protected thereby making it suitable for Dubai’s climate.
Solution-Dyed Acrylic: This type of material does not fade as quickly as other materials; hence you don’t need to worry about replacing your garden patio furniture covers frequently.
Olefin: It dries out much faster than other types of fabric since it is mildew resistant.
By investing in high-quality materials you will cut down on costly replacements while at the same time offering better protection for your furniture.
2.Regular Cleaning
Regular cleaning keeps garden furniture covers in good condition. If not dealt with immediately, dust and sand accumulate fast in Dubai leading to wearing out over time.
Weekly Dusting: Use soft brushes or microfiber cloth in order to sweep away loose dust particles from the coverings. That simple step prevents dust from settling into the fibers.
Monthly Washing: At least once a month use a mild detergent solution mixed with water to clean your covers. Avoid using harsh chemicals since they can damage the protective coatings on your covers. In case you need to scrub off dirt, use a sponge or soft cloth and rinse with clean water afterwards.
Spot Cleaning: Small stains can be removed by spot cleaning. To treat the stain, apply a solution of mild soap mixed with water and let’s not forget to rinse it after that without forgetting the air dry.
Always make sure they are completely dry before reassembling them on furniture after washing. It takes little time for this to happen in Dubai’s heat; however, it is necessary as wetness would lead to mould and mildew growth.
3.Protection from Sunlight
However tough your covers may seem, prolonged exposure to sunlight will ultimately lead to their degradation.
Shade Your Furniture: If possible you should place your covered furniture in areas where there is shade. In case it cannot be done then there is an alternative of spending some more money on buying a big outdoor umbrella or constructing a pergola which will give additional protection from direct sun rays.
Rotate and Reposition: Occasionally rotating or repositioning your furniture can help distribute sun exposure more evenly so that one side of the cover doesn’t wear out faster than the other side.
4.Storage During Off-Season
In Dubai, the usage frequency of outdoor furniture may reduce during cooler months or when traveling around. This means that proper storage of these coverings will keep them longer.
Clean Before Storing: Remember to wash your covers prior to storing them away at any given time. This keeps off any dust particles or debris that causes moulds as well as mildews while being stored inside throughout winter season.
Dry Storage Area: Make sure covers are placed in environments which have low humidity levels like store rooms that are well ventilated but not in very moist conditions where mold grows easily.
Therefore, Use Storage Bags: If possible, store your covers in breathable storage bags. These bags help protect the covers from dust while allowing air circulation, preventing moisture buildup.
Inspect for Damage
Inspect your furniture covers regularly for signs of wear and tear especially after extreme weather like sandstorms or heavy rainfall.
Check Seams and Stitching: Look out for any loose threads, tears or weakened seams. You can sew up these rips or apply patches to reinforce the stitches.
Assess Coatings: With time, the protective coatings on your covers could get worn out. If you find water soaking through or the fabric becoming less resistant to dirt; it is time you considered applying a water repellant spray again or having new ones made.
Avoid Dragging the Covers
When taking off or putting on furniture covers, refrain from dragging them on rough surfaces. Such action will result in scratches and weakens fabrics.
Lift and Place: Always lift the covers and gently place them over the furniture. This is done to avoid tearing it apart or damaging its material.
Use Two People for Large Covers: For larger pieces of furniture such as sofas, an extra pair of hands always comes in handy as this prevents dragging when placing them back on ground level; also making sure that they fit perfectly into place.
Use Additional Protective Measures
Extra precautions can go a long way towards preserving garden furniture covers in Dubai’s harsh climate conditions.
Apply Fabric Protectors: Consider using an outdoor fabric protector spray that has been specially formulated for use with outdoor fabrics. These sprays create an additional barrier against UV rays, water and stains.
Wind Straps or Ties: High winds may cause flapping thereby wearing out the coverings over time .You can secure these tout just by tying down wind straps into position so that they do not move about too much during storms .
Replace When Necessary
Despite all efforts made garden furniture covers will not last forever. Knowing when to replace them is crucial to keep your furniture protected at all times.
Fading and Thinning: You will know that they are becoming old if their color starts fading away and there is some thinning on the fabric or even where they are no longer effective in covering . This will make it necessary for someone to buy new ones.
Annual Check: Your covers should be checked once a year at the beginning of every season so as to see how far gone they are. They may fail anytime but replacing them before this ensures that you have continued protection for your furniture.
Conclusion
Caring for your garden furniture covers in Dubai requires attention to detail and regular maintenance, but the rewards are worth it. By following these steps, you can extend the life of your covers, keeping your outdoor furniture in top condition, ready for use whenever you need it. Investing in quality covers and taking the time to care for them will not only save you money in the long run but also ensure that your outdoor space remains a comfortable and inviting place to relax.
